Autogenic training in a drug abuse program

The development of a program utilizing autogenic training with opiate-and polydrug-dependent individuals is described. A small cadre of staff were first trained in the procedure, and it was then used in the treatment of 23 patients with stress-related problems. Eleven patients completed the nine training sessions and rated their symptoms as being on the average 52% improved. Several case histories with varying outcome are described. The authors think that although autogenic training is no panacea, it is a useful modality in the drug abuse treatment armamentarium. Implications for further research and treatment are suggested.